Transport group MANIBELA said the group will stage a nationwide transport strike from December 9 to 11 to protest supposed excessive penalties and slow government processing of documents.

“Sa susunod na linggo, kami ay magkakasa ng tatlong araw na tigil-pasada,” “Hindi lamang po ang grupo ng MANIBELA ang magkakasama rito. Nationwide po ito. Tatlong araw na tigil pasada sa ngayon — Martes, Miyerkules, at Huwebes,” MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena said at a press conference.

Valbuena said Manibela may also extend the period of the transport strike.

MANIBELA raised concern that authorities continue to ask drivers and operators of unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUV) to obtain provisional authorities.

“Alam naman ninyo na hindi consolidated itong grupo. Tatanungin niyo pa ng mga provisional authority at kung ano-ano,” Valbuena said.

Started in 2017, the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the program.

Manibela also called out the supposed delays in the registration of concerned vehicles.